If you are confused between the current PAN and PAN 2.0, this news is for you. Let us see the difference between them. The Ministry of Finance started the PAN (Permanent Account Number) system in November 2024 under the PAN 2.0 project. The aim is to make taxpayer services modern, safe, and easy to use. PAN 2.0 gives one portal, paperless work, free e-PAN service, and a QR code that shows the latest data from the PAN system.

A Member of Parliament asked some questions in the Lok Sabha about PAN 2.0 and how it is different from the old PAN card. ET Wealth Online shared the government’s reply. It told the key differences between PAN 2.0 and the current PAN, and if present PAN users will be affected or not.

PAN 2.0 vs Current PAN

Lok Sabha MP Saket Gokhale asked the government some questions about the PAN 2.0 project.

  • What is the difference between the old PAN card with QR code and the new PAN card under PAN 2.0?
    The government said PAN cards issued since 2017 and PAN 2.0 cards will both have QR codes. But in PAN 2.0, the QR code will be better. It will be a dynamic QR code that shows the latest data from the PAN system. Old PAN cards will still be valid, and people do not need to get a new one.

  • Since when are PAN cards with QR codes issued?
    The government said PAN cards with QR codes are issued since 2017.

  • Which company got the PAN 2.0 project contract?
    The government said no contract has been given yet.

QR Code in PAN 2.0

PAN 2.0 is an e-governance project to improve taxpayer services. It brings all PAN and TAN services together in one place. It gives online PAN checks for banks, companies, and government offices.

The QR code is not new. It started in 2017. In PAN 2.0, it will be dynamic and show the latest data. If your old card has no QR code, you can apply for a new one under PAN 1.0 or PAN 2.0. The QR code helps in quick verification. When scanned, it shows the photo, signature, name, parents’ names, and date of birth of the card holder.

Penalty Rules

As per Section 272B of the Income Tax Act, if a person does not have PAN when required or has more than one PAN, they may have to pay a penalty of Rs 10,000. No one is allowed to hold more than one PAN. If someone has two PANs, they must ask the officer to cancel the extra one.

Important Questions

  1. Do old PAN users need to apply again?
    No. All old PAN numbers will remain valid.

  2. Can details be corrected?
    Yes. Email, phone, address, name, and date of birth can be corrected free once PAN 2.0 starts.

  3. How will new PAN cards be given?
    A physical PAN will be given only if you ask for update or correction.

  4. Are old PANs without QR codes valid?
    Yes. They are valid. But people can apply for a QR code card if they want.

  5. What is a Unified Portal?
    It is a single website where all PAN and TAN services will be available.